Couples Negril - random questions

We arrive in early March - first time to a Couples resort and I'm curious about a few things:

1. Otaheite restaurant - (how do you pronounce this by the way?!) I believe this is the only one that requires reservations? How do we do this - by phone or do we have to line up? Does it book up days in advance? (just wondering if we should make it a priority the first day or so we're there).

2. What is "Sunset Bar" - the free excursion that is offered?

3. How do we sign up for the Catamaran Trip - at the watersports center, I'm assuming? Does it book up quickly?

4. How active are the activity staff? We've been to other resorts in the last few years and notice that the daytime activity staff are not as active as we felt they used to be. We enjoy getting involved in the 'stupid human tricks' nd are hoping CN is a little more happening!

1. It's pronounced Oh-Tahiti (like the island). I have to remind myself, as my hubby likes to mispronounce it and mess me up! .lol. You book it at the concierge desk, which is in the lobby, over Cassava. It opened at 9:00 (but double check that). We didn't have to wait long at all. Not sure if you can call from your room, as they will give you a card to hand in when you go. Since we got in late afternoon, we booked the next morning for two days later to get the preferred time. After we went and liked it so much, we went and booked another time. Not a problem.

2. We didn't do the sunset bar trip, but we did one from CSA years ago and it went to Pirates Cave so you could have a drink and watch the sunset from the water. Not sure where it goes now, but honestly, the views are great from the resort, where the food and drinks are free. The champagne toast on the beach is nice. You can go when you're dressed up and ready for dinner, or if you're still in your swim suits.

3. You can book the cat cruise at the concierge as well. We booked that the same time as Otaheite. It doesn't run every day, so book early. I suggest the first available time, just in case the weather is bad and you need to reschedule. If you leave it until the end you may miss out. It does go even if it rains. I think only rough seas would cancel it. We also booked our Trading places to CN then and there too. However, snorkeling is booked at watersports, as are any water toy lessons. Scuba is booked next to it at the scuba hut.

4. There is a daily schedule of events listed in the brochure, and also for the day at Cassava on a big board. Note this ahead of time so you don't miss anything you want to do. We sit on the beach, so sometimes forgot about things we were interested in. If you sit by the pool and grill area you're more likely to be reminded. We ended up playing pool volleyball that way. Don't forget to collect your Couples funny money for the auction. They auction stuff like souvenirs, hats, coffee, that sort of thing. We got some hot sauce. It's just fun buying stuff for hundreds of millions of dollar.

We arrive in early March - first time to a Couples resort and I'm curious about a few things:

Hi Nicole,
We'll try to answer your questions as best we're able, as it's been a couple years since our last trip to CN, and hope others will build on it.
1. Otaheite restaurant - (how do you pronounce this by the way?!) I believe this is the only one that requires reservations? How do we do this - by phone or do we have to line up? Does it book up days in advance? (just wondering if we should make it a priority the first day or so we're there).- It's pronounced O-ta-hee-tee. Reservations are made at the concierge desk in the lobby. It's good to make these reservations upon arrival as it's pretty popular (and well worth it).
2. What is "Sunset Bar" - the free excursion that is offered?- Haven't tried this so hope others will cover this one. We've heard that it's a visit to a bar that has a spectacular view of the sun setting...along with some pricey drinks.
3. How do we sign up for the Catamaran Trip - at the watersports center, I'm assuming? Does it book up quickly?- At the concierge desk in the lobby. It can book up quickly so be sure to sign for this soon after arrival.
4. How active are the activity staff? We've been to other resorts in the last few years and notice that the daytime activity staff are not as active as we felt they used to be. We enjoy getting involved in the 'stupid human tricks' nd are hoping CN is a little more happening!- The entertainment/activity staff were pretty involved day and evening when we were there last. They attempt to get guests involved...sometimes resorting to bribery (they give out "resort bucks" that can be used on Casino night).

1. O-ta-he-tee
2. I believe it is a bar located off resort like Margaritaville, but we did not go during this trip
3. Sign up for the Cat Cruise at the Guest Relations desk, it doesn't book all that quickly, we actually went twice and the second trip was pretty empty
4. CN is very laid back kind of an older crowd with more of a "Couples" romance atmosphere. We both related it to the club in the movie "Dirty Dancing" if you want an active crowd with more night life etc CN is probably not your best option.